Menopause is a natural biological process and not an illness. It is a stage in a woman’s reproductive cycle that occurs when ovaries stop producing estrogen, causing the reproductive system to slowly shut down. It’s confirmed when 12 months have passed since a woman's last menstrual period. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45-55, with the average age in the United States being around 51. Menopause and menopausal symptoms can also occur when the ovaries are surgically removed.

Perimenopause marks the interval in which your body begins its transition into menopause and this can last anywhere from two to eight years, plus the first year after your final period. When perimenopause starts and how long it lasts, varies from woman to woman. You'll probably notice signs, such as menstrual irregularities sometime in your 40s. But some women notice changes as early as their mid-30s.

“Perimenopause is a time of great change – it is the adolescence of older age, but better than adolescence of youth because peri-menopausal women have the confidence and the experience"

« Menstrual irregularities: Intervals may be longer or shorter. Flow may be scanty to profuse, and you may skip some periods.

« Hot flashes and sleep problems: About 75-85% of women experience hot flashes during perimenopause. Their intensity, duration and frequency vary.

« Mood changes: Some women experience mood swings, irritability or depression during perimenopause.

« Vaginal and urinary problems: Your vaginal tissues may lose lubrication and elasticity, making intercourse painful. Low estrogen levels make you vulnerable to urinary or vaginal infections.

« Changes in sexual function: Sexual arousal and desire may change and you may experience decreased libido.

« Loss of bone: With perimenopause, you start to lose bone more quickly than you replace it, increasing your risk of osteoporosis.

Chronic conditions like perimenopause progress because multiple patho-physiologies occur in the body at the same time. This requires a multi-pronged approach to treating the various root-causes. By taking PreMenora twice-daily and following your doctor's recommendations on diet and exercise, you can take control and help create a smooth transition through the perimenopausal years.*

We strongly recommend that you should learn and understand perimenopause and celebrate this passage into your “second adulthood”! Perimenopause is the beginning of your journey.

Other credible sources of information are:
North American Menopause Society (NAMS): www.menopause.org
American Menopause Foundation: www.americanmenopause.org
National Center for Complementary & Alternative Medicine (NCCAM): www.nccam.nih.gov
National Osteoporosis Foundation: www.nof.org

The content of these sites are put together by a panel of world renowned experts and should answer most of your questions about perimenopause and bone health.